The project, by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) is intended to produce a pictorial record for the Australian War Memorial archives.

Illawarra wedding photographer Anna Blackman and Paul Pennell, of photo blog Humans of Wollongong, have signed on and are seeking local veterans to pose.

Across Australia, all portraits will be taken against the same dark grey background, with the same lighting and subjects positioned in a similar pose, to create consistency in the finished product.

The men and women who participate would be given a free copy of their photograph, Mr Pennell said.

"I think it's important for [the veterans] and their families," he said.

"People don't print photos any more but . . . maybe this photograph can be handed down through the generations."

Some portraits have already been taken, to striking effect.

Mr Pennell said the idea of photographing the veterans appealed to his interest in human subjects, with all their stories and history passing somehow through the lens.

"They're all so different," he said.

"I reckon they have some really good stories and I'll be [trying to] pull that out in their photograph."

Visit aipp.com.au for full details of the AIPP Reflections: Honouring our WWII Veterans project, or to register.